What is Conscious Aging?

“The purpose of Conscious Aging, as a movement, is to join the growing chorus of elder voices proclaiming that the later stage of life has within it the unique potential for growth. It is a time for elders to make life as fulfilling as possible. For those who pursue Conscious Aging it is also a time to remain Aware, Awake, and Deliberate, and to take Active responsibility for their destiny.”

Harry R. Moody

Speaker and author on aging, spirituality, and ethics, and current Director of Academic Affairs for AARP

“Ultimately, Conscious Aging is about developing and maintaining integrity. It involves developing spiritual resources to adapt to aging, not to deny it."

Robert C. Atchley

Professor and Chair of the Department of Gerontology at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado.

CAN-NM Members believe Conscious Aging is

v  embracing the aging process by staying actively engaged in life;

v  accepting the joy and grief of the aging process;

v  reaching for emotional and spiritual maturity; and

v  maintaining social connections through service, family and community.

 Who Are We?

The Conscious Aging Network of New Mexico is a gathering of individuals who believe in the potential of Conscious Aging to enhance the quality of our lives.

We share a belief that our later years can be a time of growth, discovery and joy, a time in which we seek wisdom, participate fully in the human family, and create a legacy for future generations.

We meet regularly to network, gather and disseminate ideas, and support each other in our individual and collective endeavors.  We welcome others who share our vision to join us at our gatherings.

Activities:

CAN-NM periodically sponsors workshops and other activities on topics of interest to elders and elders-to-be.  Past workshops have included "The Tao of Aging" with David Chernikoff and Drew Leder, "The Muse of Aging", with Linda Leonard, Jungian Analyst, and "Conscious Aging--Because Your Life Matters," and "Exploring the Dimensions of Community," presented by CAN-NM members.  For several years, we have organized a Conscious Aging track for the New Mexico Conference on Aging, held each August in Albuquerque.  During this time, several keynote speakers (Harry Moody, Richard Leider and Dr. William Thomas) have focused on conscious aging issues.  Each year, as many as 20 workshops on conscious aging topics are presented.

There are also Elder Circles in Albuquerque, Los Alamos and Santa Fe that meet regularly to discuss conscious aging-related topics.   

If you would like to receive announcements of future conscious aging activities in the New Mexico area, please send an email to   Webmaster and we will add you to our emailing list. 

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